BACOLOD CITY – Thousands of supporters gathered as local candidates kicked off their campaign on Friday, March 28.
THE two opposing slates in Bacolod in the 2025 local elections.
Team Asenso Bacolod led by Mayor Albee Benitez held a rally at the Paglaum Sports Complex.
Team El Cid spearheaded by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran conducted their rally at the Bacolod public plaza.
Congressional candidate Benitez, bannering Team Asenso slogan, “Padayon ang Pagbag-o,” presented their accomplishments and their vision to becoming a super city.
Benitez said that he decided to run for congressman to help this city achieve super city status.
“This vision and goal of becoming a super city is not just for me but to all the people of Bacolod,” he said.
Rep. Greg Gasataya, who is running for mayor, thanked the people for believing in his potential to serve them.
He urged the people to vote for the leaders who are honest, transparent, and who have a vision for the city.
“We are ready for the job,” he said.
The Asenso slate endorsed Councilor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella as their vice mayoral candidate.
Candidates for councilors are reelectionists Em Ang, Celia Flor, Israel Salanga, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Jason Villarosa, Vladimir Gonzales, Psyche Marie Sy, and Al Victor Espino, and former Councilors Homer Bais, Bobby Rojas, Dindo Ramos, and Caesar Distrito, Barangay Singcang-Airport captain.
Abang-Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano, an ally of Team Asenso, endorsed Familiaran’s mayoral bid.
Team El Cid envisions Bacolod as a city that is both highly competitive and highly livable, where business and industry thrive in a setting of peace and fair competition.
They aspire to create a government that is responsible, transparent, and serves its people effectively.
Familiaran said that their leadership will focus on making the government more accessible to the people, ensuring transparency, and promoting a consultative approach.
Incumbent Councilor Renecito Novero is his running mate.
The Team El Cid candidates for councilor are former Councilors Archie Baribar, Wilson Gamboa, and Ana Marie Palermo, Jose Maria de Leon, Ken Paolo Gilo, Yolanda Noble, Pepito Pico, Lilian Sembrano, Rico Villafuerte, Christian Weber, Ernesto Yap Jr., and Teodoro Yulo.
Former Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Benitez’s opponent, said that he aims to continue accelerating the growth of Bacolod that he started as a mayor. Benitez defeated Leonardia in the 2022 elections for mayor.